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Paul P. Hung

Bryn Mawr, PA | Distinguished Ag Alumni: 1994

Microbiology Division of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories American Home Products. He began his professional career with Abbott Laboratories in 1960 as head of the Molecular Biology and Virology Laboratory. In 1981, he left to become General Manager of the Genetics Division of Bethesda Research Laboratories, Inc. A year later he assumed his present position. One of Dr. Hung’s most important practical research contributions was the co-invention of Ausria, a kit for the detection of hepatitis B. He also headed a research team that cloned and expressed the first biologically active human enzyme, urokinase, important in blood clot dissolution. Subsequently he led the team that cloned the Hepatitis B virus antigen. Dr. Hung has important discoveries in the chemotherapy of cancer viruses and in molecular virology to his credit. His work with vaccines has been far-reaching and continues to provide the basis for important research in that area today. Most notably, his concept of using live, benign, oral vaccines to carry immunogen genes has led to several patents. These piggy-back immunogens have been adapted for use to combat a number of human diseases. There is great interest in the promise they hold as weapons for viral diseases that are ordinarily difficult to handle with conventional vaccines. Dr. Hung has performed a dual role during much of his career, holding concurrent positions in industry and education. He served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Biochemistry of Northwestern Medical School from 1974 to 1986 and as a senior lecturer at Loyola University Medical School from 1969 to 1975. Dr. Hung is currently a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Board that advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He is also a consultant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense, for whom he reviews biomedical research and advises on related military projects.